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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Basel to Venice via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

7-day independent Swiss and Italian rail trip from Basel to Venice

Illustration of Basel to Venice via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Railbookers operates this 7-day independent rail journey from Basel, Switzerland, to Venice, Italy, crossing the Alps on two of the world's noted scenic train lines. After an overnight in Basel, Day 2 brings a train south to the alpine village of Zermatt for two nights beneath the Matterhorn, including Day 3's ride on the Gornergrat rack railway, Europe's highest open-air railway. Day 4 continues aboard the Glacier Express to St. Moritz, crossing mountain passes and viaducts, before Day 5's Bernina Express carries travelers over the Alps' highest peaks into northern Italy and on to Venice by train via Milan. The final two days are spent exploring Venice at your own pace, including the Doge's Palace, the Golden Basilica, the canals, and an included private gondola ride. Because the trip is self-guided, it suits independent travelers who want scenic Alpine rail journeys connected to a classic Italian city, and who may be extending a Rhine river cruise from Basel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator publishes no current departure dates in the available materials; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.
  • Only breakfast is included with each hotel stay; the raclette or fondue dinner in Zermatt and a Bellini at Harry's Bar in Venice are suggestions, not included meals.
  • Day 1 assumes arrival in Basel from a river cruise ('make your way from your cruise ship to your hotel'); the evidence does not describe airport arrival logistics for travelers not connecting from a cruise.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Basel

    Your Journey Begins in Basel

    Welcome to Basel! Make your way from your cruise ship to your hotel, and once checked in take a stroll around the city's medieval center.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    At a time of your choosing, make your way to the station for a train south to the beautiful canton of Valais, and the village of Zermatt. Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay then enjoy a traditional raclette or fondue for dinner.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Railway

    Today enjoy a ride on the highest open-air railway in Europe, the Gornergrat rack railway. The 30min ride to the summit is spectacular thanks to the constant views of the Matterhorn Mountain.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

    Experience one of the world's greatest train journeys today, onboard the Glacier Express, crossing numerous mountain passes and impressive viaducts, ending in the glamorous lakeside town of St. Moritz.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    St. Moritz to Venice Via The Bernina Express

    Another day of breath-taking scenery today, onboard the legendary Bernina Express. The train scales some of the Swiss Alps' highest peaks before dropping into a palm tree lined valley of northern Italy. From here take a train to Milan, then onto the Islands of Venice.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Venice at your own pace, the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica, the maze of canals, or a Bellini at Harry's Bar. A private gondola ride is included in the afternoon.

  7. Day 7

    Venice

    Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy what time you have left with some final souvenir shopping before your private boat transfer collects you from your hotel for the airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Travel south to the alpine village of Zermatt for a two-night stay, with a traditional raclette or fondue dinner suggested.
  • Day 3Ride the Gornergrat rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, a 30-minute climb with constant views of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 4Cross the Alps aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing numerous mountain passes and viaducts.
  • Day 5Ride the Bernina Express over some of the Swiss Alps' highest peaks into northern Italy, continuing by train via Milan to Venice.
  • Day 6A private gondola ride is included in the afternoon, alongside self-guided time at the Doge's Palace, the Golden Basilica, and Venice's canals.

Included

  • All rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Basel
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • Gornergrat railway day trip from Zermatt
  • Private Gondola ride in Venice
  • Private water transfer from hotel to airport in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel per the itinerary is included, covering the Gornergrat railway, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Express.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail journey.
Which trains are used?
The Gornergrat Railway, the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz), the Bernina Express (St. Moritz into northern Italy), Swiss Railways, and Trenitalia in Italy.
What hotels are included?
One night in Basel, two nights in Zermatt, one night in St. Moritz, and two nights in Venice, all with breakfast; specific hotel names are not published in the available materials.
What is not included?
The evidence lists no meals beyond breakfast; the Zermatt dinner and Venice cocktail mentioned in the itinerary are suggestions rather than included items.
How much walking is involved?
City walking in Basel and Venice; the mountain excursions on the Gornergrat, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express are by rail and cable car rather than on foot.

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